16/03/2008  Shatin  Race 2

Shortly after the start, ROYAL PORTRAIT was crowded for room between OWNERS LAD and PROGRESSING TIMES which shifted in momentarily. After this, ROYAL PORTRAIT was taken across behind runners. Approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, SUNNY SMILES was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of TERRIFIC BRETHREN (Apprentice K L Chui) which got its head on the side and hung in away from KUNG FU. As the Stewards were satisfied Apprentice Chui had made every effort to prevent his mount from shifting ground, no action was taken. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, GOLDEN TREASURE was steadied away from the heels of BROTHERS IN ARMS which in turn was steadied away from the heels of SUNNY SMILES. In the middle stages, BROTHERS IN ARMS proved difficult to settle. Making the Home Turn, SUPER GOAL MASTER hung out. For some distance after the 400 Metres, BROTHERS IN ARMS had difficulty obtaining clear running. In the early part of the Straight, TERRIFIC BRETHREN hung in, then over the final 200 Metres hung out. In the run to the winning post, BROTHERS IN ARMS hung out. O Peslier (TAKE IT EASY) explained the instructions had been to ride the horse in a forward position as is usual. He said TAKE IT EASY was fractious in the barriers, then began awkwardly and lost ground. He said he then allowed other runners which had drawn to his outside to go forward and cross in front of him. He said after the 1000 Metres he commenced to improve his position on TAKE IT EASY in an endeavour to follow the riding instructions given to him. He said making the turn near the 800 Metres TAKE IT EASY became unbalanced and blundered badly. He said he allowed TAKE IT EASY, which at this time was racing wide and without cover, to regain balance, then approaching the Home Turn he rode along in an endeavour to improve his position, however, TAKE IT EASY responded only fairly and did not finish the race off. TAKE IT EASY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of TAKE IT EASY after the race did not show any significant findings. TERRIFIC BRETHREN, KUNG FU and BROTHERS IN ARMS were sent for sampling.